Thermal Mechanical Scientist/Engineer – IFE Target Survival

TLDR

Lead analysis and tests of inertial fusion energy target survival through advanced thermal and mechanical evaluations crucial for power plant operation.

Overview:

We are seeking a Thermal Mechanical Scientist/Engineer to lead the analysis and tests of inertial fusion energy (IFE) target survival. The cryogenic targets will need to survive high speed launch into the high temperature, gas-filled power plant chamber. Determination of target material property performance metrics to allow target survival, and tests of materials to meet these metrics are a key role for the power plant.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Develop and conduct thermal and mechanical analyses of the target launch (injection) into the power plant chamber, providing metrics for IFE target materials for survival of the target.

  • Develop tests of target materials to demonstrate the material’s required performance.

  • Develop tests to validate thermal mechanical analysis models.

  • Assess test data.

  • Assist with other power plant thermal mechanical design projects including systems for filling and layering of cryogenic targets, blanket design, and thermal management of laser amplifiers and final optics.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • PhD or MS, or experience equivalent, in Engineering, Applied Physics, Physics, or related field.

  • Demonstrated ability to model transient multi-physics phenomena including conduction, convection, thermal radiation, and impulse.

  • Experience with FEA and DSMC codes.

  • Strong analytical data/measurement skills.

Preferred:

  • Experience with continuum, transition, and molecular flow heat transport modeling.

  • Experience with phase change thermal and transport modeling.

  • Experience with fusion, and cryogenic systems.

  • Experience modeling deuterium tritium (DT) or other self-heating materials.

  • Experience modeling systems of extreme geometric proportions.

Salary & Benefits:

  • The base salary range for this role is $125,000 - $225,000; The pay range provided is an estimated base range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education.

  • We offer market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!

About Inertia:

Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.

Inertia is focused on the commercialization of fusion energy, utilizing a proven process developed at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. By leveraging successful achievements in fusion ignition, we're poised to transform energy production with advanced technology and significant investment, aiming to make fusion a practical energy source within the next decade.

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Salary
$125,000 – $225,000 per year
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